Where to catch cult classics in Canberra this winter
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Cold weather means one thing: cosy movie nights.
But forget flicking through streaming services, because this winter, relaxing in a warm, dark, and snack-filled cinema while watching cult classics is the place to be.
Showing everything from arthouse films to family favourites, here are five cinemas worth booking a ticket to.
Elsie’s Film House (City)
This pop-up cinema lounge and bar in Civic Square is keeping movie lovers entertained until July – perfect for winter nights. Screening retro favourites, cult classics, arthouse and international films, you can expect iconic movies like Annie Hall (1977) and The Lost Boys (1987). And with plush couches, chilled drinks at the bar, fresh popcorn, and choc tops, what more could you want?
180 London Circuit, City | events.humanitix.com
Verity Lane (City)
They had us at food and free movie screenings. Held on the first Thursday of every month, Verity Lane Market is transforming into a cinema to showcase fan-favourite films. Grab your dinner from Market Hall, head up to Louie Louie, and treat yourself to a themed cocktail from the in-venue bar. Bookings are available but walk-ins are also welcome – just keep an eye on their socials to see what will be showing next!
50 Northbourne Avenue, City | veritylanemarket.com.au
Dendy (City)
Located in the heart of the city, Dendy is always a good choice for a movie night. As well as showing new releases, here they also host film festivals, special events and more. From showcasing classic films in their original 35mm print to hosting interactive screenings of cult classics, your next movie night is sorted.
Level 2, North Quarter, Canberra Centre, City | canberra.dendy.com.au
Arc Cinema (Acton)
Canberra’s go-to spot for the culturally curious, this Art Deco cinema at NFSA is iconic for a reason. Showing everything from family favourites to curated classics, their program has something for every kind of movie lover (including high art and guilty pleasures). Also hosting special movie nights (think: pizza parties and special Q&A sessions), grab a drink from the bar and experience the movies the way they were meant to be. Check out what’s on offer during their Winter Film Festival here.
McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Palace Electric Cinema (Acton)
Showcasing high quality international and local art-house films, and mainstream movies, as well as hosting cinema retrospectives and events, Palace Electric Cinema is always showing something worth seeing. The host to many premieres and festivals – think The Lavazza Italian Film Festival, The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival, and Spanish Film festivals – check out the program and their Prosecco bar.
2 Phillip Law Street, Acton | palacecinemas.com.au
The Q (Queanbeyan)
Just a short drive from Canberra, The Q is serving up cinematic gold with their Screen 2025 Program — a year-long celebration of iconic films that have shaped our cultural landscape. Curated by Creative Director Gary Vehtic, you can expect legendary movies like Jaws (1975) celebrating its 50th anniversary in June, Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking Psycho (1960) in August, and the magical Labyrinth (1986) in October. And because nothing says Christmas like explosions and one-liners, they’re wrapping up the year with the ultimate holiday action film Die Hard (1988) in December.
Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
